Snapshot: Zionism and a kiss on the tarmac

Unlike the stones of Acre or the stones of the Western Wall, the airport does not readily absorb this kiss; its essence is liminal, extraterritorial, a manifestation of severance and separation between one place and another.

The man kissing the ground has thin side curls that are draped around his ears; his cap is on backward, he has placed his jacket under his knees, his tie brushes the tarmac, his lips melt into the asphalt and his eyes are shut. Immense intention, devotion, piety and enthusiasm, backed up by self-persuasion and, of course, group persuasion, are needed to make one kiss the ground, which the wheels of heavy aircraft...

I pray that this this very welcome immigrant family will integrate
positively into Israel's multifaceted society. From here on, their life
in Israel will be a continual learning experience - starting with the
Hebrew language...

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